Porter's 5 forces template
Analyze five factors that shape the competitive landscape so you can better plan for the future
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About the Porter's 5 forces template
It is not enough to know who your competitors are. You have to truly understand how your business and product compare to what they offer — taking into account broader economic and market forces that impact your industry.
The Porter's 5 forces model provides a lens on five external factors you should analyze: the bargaining power of buyers, the existence of alternative solutions, the intensity of competitive rivalry, the threat of new entrants, and your reliance on partners or suppliers. When you take the time to examine these complex dynamics, you will be better positioned to deliver a superior product experience to customers.
Use this template to build a summary view of your competitive landscape. Connect with the right folks in your organization to layer in additional insights. After you have completed the exercise, consider trying a more sophisticated tool like Aha! Roadmaps to implement your plans — so you can tie strategy to work at every level of your organization.
Best practices
Distill details about the competitive landscape and effectively differentiate your product from others in the market.
Start high-level Complete each section of the model to provide a holistic perspective on the competitive environment. Adapt the template as needed to your industry or market, considering any economic or regulatory factors that impact your business.
Go deeper Add annotations to call out threats or opportunities. Think of this second pass through the model as a chance to identify strategies that will enhance your competitiveness or profitability.
Invite collaboration Ask teammates to join the whiteboard and add their expertise. Folks can easily add comments, questions, or emojis — healthy debate may be just what you need to encourage breakthrough ideas.
Connect to everyday work Use what you have discovered to inform your go-forward plans. Revisit the model during strategic planning periods to validate the information and build on it.
FAQs about the Porter's 5 forces template
How does Porter's 5 forces differ from a SWOT analysis?
A SWOT analysis helps you evaluate both internal capabilities and external factors that could impact your product or business. Porter's 5 forces focuses specifically on external market dynamics — such as buyer power, substitute products, and competitive threats — to assess the overall attractiveness of an industry. Use both to understand your position and make sharper strategic choices.
What are some best practices for using Porter's 5 forces?
Start with one product or business unit. Add what you know from competitive research, customer interviews, or industry reports. Then focus on what the insights mean — not just what is happening, but how it impacts your ability to grow. Revisit your analysis during planning cycles to validate your thinking.
Who is the Porter's 5 forces template for?
This template is ideal for product managers, marketers, and strategy teams who need a fast, visual way to understand competitive pressure. Use it during annual planning, launch prep, or any time the market shifts. It also works well as a discussion tool during cross-functional strategy sessions.
Is this template free to use?
Yes. To use this Porter's 5 forces template, sign up for a free 30-day trial of Aha! Whiteboards. (You can also try this template in Aha! Roadmaps if you need a complete product management solution.) Easily customize the template to suit your needs, then share it with as many people as you want (for free) to streamline collaboration.
